I CAN DO HARD THINGS.

January 27, 2017January 27, 2017 Ali SchroederLeave a comment

“I CAN DO HARD THINGS.”

This phrase means FAR more to me than the photo shows. It has defined parenthood for me up until this point. (You know- since I’m suddenly a professional parent now that I’ve been doing it for a whole 5 months😉)

…the pregnancy.
I CAN DO HARD THINGS.
This phrase cheered me through a lonely pregnancy while my husband was deployed.
This phrase uplifted me through that extra week & one day that sweet girl went over her due date.

…the delivery.
I CAN DO HARD THINGS.
This phrase motivated me through (30 hours of unmedicated) labor.
This phrase supported me through that TERRIBLE walk in the park (when I was already 5cm).
This phrase was repeated over & over & over & over as my body went to war.

…the first week.
I CAN DO HARD THINGS.
This phrase helped me through that disheartening first week when I wanted to give my baby back.
This phrase guided me through those physically painful moments as I learned to feed my baby.
This phrase encouraged me during the mentally draining hours it took to teach my baby to eat.
This phrase soothed me when I was genuinely upset at how a tiny human’s life is 100% dependent on my BROKEN body.

…the first few months.
I CAN DO HARD THINGS.
This phrase soothed me while I tried to calm a screaming infant.
This phrase got me through the times I was awake every other hour through with a sick little girl.
This phrase uplifted me when I knew I didn’t have a clue what I was doing.

…the postpartum workouts.
I CAN DO HARD THINGS.
This phrase encouraged me during my first postpartum workout at 9 weeks.
This phrase motivates me to “push play” on days I’d rather not.
This phrase helped me through every. single. rep. during yesterday’s workout.
This phrase reminds me to push continue making progress.

.
YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS.
Yes, you. I know you can.

Sometimes all it takes is a tweak in the way I phrase the activity in my head. Changing “This is really hard” to “I can do hard things” makes all the difference. Give it a try-I promise you NEED to hear yourself say it.

Parenting & taking care of yourself is hard…but YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS.

The Best Basic Day

October 10, 2016October 10, 2016 Ali SchroederLeave a comment

[originally written July 8, 2016]

I have a dear friend that sits in her closet with a cup of coffee (but I bet sometimes it’s wine) when she needs a sec.

I can’t fit in my closet, but the corner of my bedroom floor is working very well tonight. Yes, that’s a glass of wine.

Today was basic.
Almost as basic as it could ever get, yet somehow one of the best days I’ve had in a while.

My daughter is becoming my most favorite human. It really wasn’t overnight, but all in one day she learned how to give kisses, blow raspberries (hilarious!), knows what you’re referring to when you ask her to find the puppy or baby (her toys), was fascinated with the ball pit for her birthday party, and is taking 3-4 steps on her own.

She is such a neat tiny little human.

I didn’t get nearly enough work done, but what I did do was structured and organized.
I’m very happy with that…I wish I could say that was normal.
I’m sure it’s no coincidence I had the best workout in a while.

I took the dog for a walk in a new neighborhood; I do that sometimes. Our same old block gets boring for both of us, sometimes driving a short mile in any direction first is just what we need. It might be one of the best walks we’ve had together—I don’t think she realizes how much I cherish those times, too.

My house is a mess. Not even just a mess, but actually dirty. Somehow, though, it still seems like a comfy home…even as I sit in the corner of my room.

You see.
Super basic.
The me five years ago never would have claimed this to be one of the best days. Yet somehow today was just that.

Beyond blessed to be in a place in my life that is filled with so much love & happiness…no matter how ordinary. I like this life we’re building.

Alright- picking myself up off the floor to go spend the remainder of the evening with the best man I know❤️

Thanks for being my listening eyes & ears. I hope you’re in a happy place, too, no matter how ordinary. If you’re not, I hope this chaotic moment you’re going through right now makes you appreciate that place of basic contentment when the time comes.

Cheers🍷

Those Two Little Feet are Watching

April 7, 2016April 7, 2016 Ali SchroederLeave a comment

You know what isn’t easy? 

Going against the grain.

Doing something out of the ordinary.

Taking a CHANCE on yourself.  

But you know what IS easy?

 Doing what you know in your gut…in your HEART…is absolutely the right thing for you and your family, regardless of how others feel about it.  …and you want to know why I do what I do?

WHY am I so PASSIONATE about this crazy-unusual-work-from-home-help-other-people-get-healthy-run-a-business-with-a-social-media-platform?

 👣Those two little feet. Right there.👣

Because she’s watching. She’s watching everything I do.   

●Because I want to say, “I’ll be there” when she asks me to come to an event. No asking off work, rearranging my meetings, or using vacation.

●Because I want to give her every experience or opportunity I possibly can. Those aren’t always free.

 ●Because I want to jump around with her on the beach instead of hiding in the shade under a coverup. Regardless of my size or what I look like, I’m submerged in a community where I’m comfortable in my own skin, and she will know that comfort.

 ●Because I never want her to hear the word “diet” {as in “going on a diet”} come out of my mouth. ever. We eat yummy, REAL food that FUELS our bodies.

  ●Because I need her to KNOW there is more in life than going to work to JUST to pay the bills.   

So, yes. I we live out loud & I post frequently.

I do this in hopes of inspiring ONE person who needs it, ONE person who says “Wow, I’m going through that, too.”, ONE person who needs a POSITIVE break from their negative news feed. Impacting that ONE person makes a difference in their life. In their family’s life.  

I’m proud of what I do.

I’m proud of how hard I work.

I’m proud of the lives I’m changing- including my own.

 …and those two little feet are right there watching👣

  {You get ONE life. Live it the way YOU want to …& surround yourself with others who support that decision}